Islington Council tenants from the Packington Square Estate, near Angel tube station, have voted overwhelmingly in favour of having their homes transferred to Hyde Housing Association. The transfer will see 539 homes transferred to Hyde Housing Association. Of the people who took part in the ballot, 89 per cent agreed that Hyde should take over the ownership and management of their estate. Hyde will spend millions demolishing and redeveloping the estate as part of the transfer agreement.
Cllr Terry Stacy, Islington Council's Executive Member for Housing and Communities, said: "This is an excellent outcome that will make a real difference to tenants' lives. They have taken their futures into their own hands and with it bought themselves a guarantee that their homes and estate will be transformed and brought up to the highest standards. Over £100m of funding will be unlocked and new homes, a community centre and shops built - the whole area will be completely transformed.
"I want to thank tenants and leaseholders on the estate who have worked closely with us and Hyde to help bring about this positive outcome and with it great benefits for everyone living on the estate."
Hyde Housing Association is delighted with the result of the stock transfer ballot on Packington Square. Hyde's Group Development Director, Tom Titherington, said: "We are very pleased to be able to play a major role in such an exciting regeneration project, which will fit well with Hyde's other regeneration projects in Islington. We have a firm base in Islington, and we are committed to assisting the council to improve the quality of lives of local people. The Packington project is a great opportunity to do just that. Packington is in a great location, and our aim is to turn it into one of the most desirable places to live in Islington."
The residents steering group, the Packington Square Shadow Board, have worked very hard over the last year. Cheryl Gillett, Chair of the Shadow Board, said: "The uncertainty that faced all residents over the last three and a half years has at last proved to be fruitful with a positive outcome. A tremendous amount of hard work has gone into this project which I am pleased to say has resulted in a great achievement for Packington. Packington residents can now look forward to a bright new future with new and spacious homes - which will be much bigger than the current existing homes."
The ballot, which was organised by the Electoral Reform Services, took place between 17 November, 2006 and 7 December 2006. The ballot count was held today (7 December 2006) with residents able to witness the event. Islington Council's Executive made a decision to proceed with the transfer at its Executive Committee later this evening.
Ends
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008